Juan Taveras Question Número Dos
StartingBloc Fellowship App
Institute for Social Innovation NY’13
JoyProfessional Experience
Authenticity
FunUnique
Perspective
How will I contribute to the diverse StartingBloc
community?
How will I contribute JOY you
ask?
A college advisor of mine used to say, “Enthusiasm breeds
enthusiasm,” and I’ve never forgotten it. I’ve been told that I
have the ability to see the positive side to everything, and essentially that’s what I’ll bring
to the table. I will share my positive mindset with the
StartingBloc community to impact its culture and help its
members view every challenge as an opportunity.
Fun!
I like the statement: Work hard but don’t take yourself too
seriously. I like it because it does not discount the fact that work is sometimes hard (most things that are worth doing are hard), but it does not mean that we can’t have fun while doing it. Keeping fun in the mix makes us more productive and more likely
to continue the work we are doing.
I won’t forget the fun!
Authenticity
Be authentic. We find fulfillment in being true to ourselves. When we stop trying to be something we are not, we are free to focus on what matters most to us. I try to live my life by this notion and hope my example has led others
to do the same. I want to be a part of the StartingBloc community to join in the
celebration of true individualism! It is in this setting that new ideas
are born.
My professional experience
I have had a very diverse career thus far. It spans from working in
hospitality, food service and retail, to managing a limo
business to currently working with a nonprofit (and by nature,
one wears many hats at a nonprofit!). All of this experience
has made me a well rounded team player. Some might
consider me a jack of all trades; I consider myself the master of a
diverse skill set prime with entrepreneurial possibility.
Cultural Perspective
My family immigrated from the Dominican Republic when I was young but my roots have never
left me. The values of my upbringing and the reality of my circumstances taught me that,
without a solid education and an uncompromising work ethic, my
dreams would remain improbabilities. Due to my
experiences, I can relate to those that have struggled in similar
ways and relay these experiences to those who have not.
In conclusion, I have a lot to offer the StartingBloc community. From my work experience, the unique way that I
view the world and (most importantly) my infectious joy. I promise to give the StartingBloc community as much, if not more, than I receive from it and hope to welcome it into my
hometown next summer!